Apple hosted its annual developer conference–WWDC–last night and the event saw a number of announcements aimed at improving the overall user experience. During the event, Apple gave us a glimpse of iOS 18, their next big release packed with exciting new features. From the new Photos app to better customization options, Mail improvements, Satellite messaging, and more, iOS 18 brings a number of new features to your iPhone. Let’s take a look at 10 new features that the software will bring to your iPhone when it rolls out.

1. Customization Options

Talking about customization first, iOS 18 introduces a new way to customize the home screen, lock screen, and Control Center. You can now arrange apps and widgets in any open space, including placing them right above the dock. New visual effects like dark or tinted themes allow you to give your app icons and widgets a unique look. In addition, you can enlarge the icons for easier access and better visual effect.

2. Photos app redesigned

The Photos app has received its most significant redesign yet, unifying the photo library into a single view. With new collections, it will be easier to browse your photos by recent days, favorite people, and themes like pets and travel. You will also be able to pin your favorite collections for quick access. In addition, a new carousel view will highlight daily favorites, making it easier to relive special moments.

3. Improved Control Center

The redesigned Control Center will provide quick access to your most used controls such as media playback, home control, and connectivity options. You will be able to easily swipe between these groups and customize the layout to suit your needs. Additionally, third-party app controls can now be added to Control Center, providing greater flexibility and convenience.

4. Messages via Satellite and iMessage Update

iOS 18 will bring the power of satellite messaging to the Messages app, allowing users to communicate even when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is unavailable. The feature leverages the same technology as the iPhone’s existing satellite capabilities, ensuring you stay connected no matter where you are.

iMessage will get a boost with new text effects that add dynamism to your conversations. You can format text with bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough, and use any emoji or sticker as a tapback. Additionally, you will be able to schedule messages to be sent later.

5. Say Hello to Apple Intelligence

One of the great features in iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, which combines generative models with personal context to deliver highly relevant and useful experiences. This new system is deeply integrated into iOS 18 and will improve functions such as language understanding, image generation, and more.

Siri is being redesigned with “beautiful flashing lights” on the edge of the screen and improved language understanding. New tools like systemwide writing tools and Image Playground will allow users to create playful images for use in messages.

Additionally, Apple’s partnership with OpenAI will integrate ChatGPT into Apple’s software, allowing users to access ChatGPT through Siri or apps on their iPhones.

6. Mail Enhancements

Later this year, Mail will feature on-device categorization to organize your inbox into categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. A new Digest view will compile emails related to the same business, making it easier to keep track of important information.

7. Safari update

Safari now includes a Highlights feature that uses machine learning to surface important information from web pages. This makes it easier to quickly grasp the gist of an article or find specific details about places and media. The redesigned Reader mode provides summaries and tables of contents for longer articles, reducing distractions.

8. New Password App

Built on the foundation of Keychain, the new Passwords app will ensure easy access to passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes. It will also alert users about common password vulnerabilities and known data breaches.

9. Advanced Privacy Features

iOS 18 also introduces new privacy tools, allowing you to lock and hide apps, control contact sharing, and manage accessory connections without exposing your device to unnecessary risks. You’ll be able to lock apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, ensuring sensitive information stays private.

10. Apple Maps and Game Mode

With iOS 18, Apple Maps will offer topographic maps and hiking routes in US national parks, as well as offline access to saved custom routes. On the other hand, Game Mode will ensure smooth frame rates and responsive wireless accessories, thereby boosting gaming.